History of Lostock Hall in Timeline

Lostock Hall is a village in Lancashire, England, situated south of the River Ribble. It is approximately 3 miles south of Preston and 3 miles north of Leyland. The village is notable for its proximity to the interchange for the M6, M61, and M65 motorways, which border its southeastern side.

1908: Tardy Gate Mill Constructed

The Tardy Gate Manufacturing Company built Tardy Gate Mill on Coote Lane in 1908.

1911: Publication of "A History of the County of Lancaster"

In 1911, the sixth volume of "A History of the County of Lancaster," edited by William Farrerr and J. Brownbill, was published. This volume included a section on the townships of Walton-le-Dale, which provided historical information about the area.

1918: Harry Dewhurt Donates Lostock Hall

Harry Dewhurt, the owner of Lostock Hall since the early 1880s, relocated to Cheshire in 1918 following the First World War. He donated Lostock Hall and its surrounding 6.5 acres to the Preston Royal Infirmary to be used as a continuation hospital.

1920: Thomas Moss & Sons Expands Tardy Gate Mill

Thomas Moss & Sons acquired Tardy Gate Mill in 1920, significantly expanding its operations. The mill focused on producing calico and linen until its closure in the late 1970s.

June 1922: Lostock Hall Continuation Hospital Opens

After alteration work, the Lostock Hall Continuation Hospital officially opened in June 1922. The hospital, situated on the grounds of Lostock Hall, was intended to serve women and children.

October 1940: Bombing in Lostock Hall

On 27 October 1940, Lostock Hall was hit by bombs during an attack on the Leyland Motors factory in nearby Leyland. Despite army gunners driving the bomber away from its target, three bombs landed in Lostock Hall, destroying terraced homes and resulting in 27 fatalities.

1961: Construction of Lostock Hall Library Begins

Construction of the purpose-built Lostock Hall Library commenced in 1961.

1962: Construction of Lostock Hall Library Concludes

The construction of Lostock Hall Library was completed in 1962.

January 1963: Lostock Hall Library Opens

Lostock Hall Library, constructed between 1961 and 1962, was officially opened on 28 January 1963 by Sir Harry Pilkington.

August 1968: End of Steam Era at Lostock Hall Locomotive Shed

Lostock Hall Locomotive Shed, one of the last remaining steam sheds in Britain, ceased operation in August 1968, marking the end of the steam era.

1982: Bacup Shoe Factory Closes

After operating in a former dance-hall built on a site bombed during World War II, the Bacup Shoe Factory closed its doors in 1982.

1982: Lostock Hall Continuation Hospital Closes

The Lostock Hall Continuation Hospital was forced to close in 1982 due to the closure of the Lancashire Area Health Authority.

1984: St. Catherine's Hospice Opens

Following the closure of the Lostock Hall Continuation Hospital, the building and land were acquired by St. Catherine's Hospice (Lancashire) Limited. The building was renovated, and the first hospice service commenced in 1984.

April 1985: St. Catherine's Hospice Opens Day Care

St. Catherine's Hospice, which had taken up residence in the former Lostock Hall Continuation Hospital, initiated its Day Care service on 29 April 1985.

1999: Lostock Hall Library Undergoes Foundation Work

Repairs to address subsidence problems at Lostock Hall Library were undertaken in 1999. This involved constructing new foundations to stabilize the building.

2001: United Kingdom Census

The United Kingdom Census of 2001 recorded Lostock Hall's population as 3,948, with 1,959 males and 1,989 females. The census data also indicated that 1,675 households were owner-occupied.

2010: General Election

The general election in 2010 resulted in Lostock Hall becoming part of an extended Ribble Valley constituency. Nigel Evans of the Conservative Party was elected as the Member of Parliament.

May 2015: South Ribble Local Council Elections

The South Ribble local council elections took place in May 2015, with Conservative Party candidates Joseph Clifford Hughes, Jacqui Mort, and Renee Noreen Blow being elected to represent the Lostock Hall ward.

September 2018: Boundary Commission for England Submits Recommendations

On 5 September 2018, the Boundary Commission for England submitted recommendations for boundary changes as part of the Sixth Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies. The proposed changes, if enacted by Parliament, would see Lostock Hall become part of a revised South Ribble seat in the next general election.